Edwin Long
Art is a talent acquired by experience, study, or observation learning that requires the conscious use of skillful and creative imagination. A piece of artwork reflects the culture that created it, though this might not be apparent to its contemporary observers. Art heavily depends on context. The available materials, subjects, themes, metaphors, politics, and technology influence the creation of painting. The audience's insight into a work improves as an understanding of the artist's culture grows. In this essay, I will give a brief overview of Edwin Long's life, discuss the events that were occurring during the time he painted Vashti Refuses the King's Summons, and explain the story behind this painting. Edwin Long was born in Bath in the year of 1829. Edwin's father was an artist therefore; he "had an early and precocious talent for drawing" (Bills 12). He began his career as a portraitist and in his youth, he twice tried to enroll at the Royal Academy Schools. However, was refused entry due to deficiencies in his drawing. He then decided to move back to Bath because of the setbacks. He visited Spain in 1857, on the advice of John Phillip, who was his teacher (22). Edwin listened to John and visited the country regul
After seeing Murillo's work, Edwin began to paint scenes of Spanish life and portraiture. Edwin became a full Academician in 1881 because was elected as a full time member. In the time span of the late 1880's, many events occurred, which changed society dramatically. Realism sought to render everyday characters, situations, dilemmas, and events. The direction it took made him become an orientalist painter. He saw how the people's expressions were and I believe he painted this picture because he knew it would cause an emotional stir in the people's feelings. In response to these changes going on in society, the movement of Realism emerged from France. After Ahasuerus consulted his advisors, he decides banish Vashti from the royal city of Shushan. Her facial expression consists of sadness and disappointment. People were poor, crude, and were afraid that if the economy did not get any better they would not have anything to eat or live in. There is a man and a woman on their knees begging her to appear before her husband at the men's banquet. He was a very popular and successful artist in the 1870's through the 1880's (Treuherz 133). With his painting, it clearly shows the aspect of social criticism. Vashti is wearing a sleeveless dress that is embroidered and her hair is styled. The major collector of his work was Merton Russell-Cotes.
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